Ever since Penn State fired head coach James Franklin, there’s been one name that has constantly been floated around is Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule.

Rhule, a Penn State alum, and friend of Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft, is likely to be recruited heavily by the University, but according to him, it’s not something he’s interested in pursuing. 

Quickly after his name was listed in the rumors, he was quick to shut it down in a press conference that leads up to the Cornhuskers’ Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

"I'm not going to talk about those things ever, I'm not going to talk about my contract here, I'm going to talk about the team. I absolutely love it here (in Nebraska). I want us to continue to take the steps needed for us to turn this thing into a beast. ... I'm really happy here… I love Penn State. I met my wife there. It's my alma mater. Fan since I was born, think I probably had a Penn State shirt on when I was born. I love Pat Kraft."

By now though, in this climate, people aren’t going to stop asking you the same question you just shut down until something is finalized.

So Rhule went on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday afternoon, and he doubled down on that sentiment.

“...when it’s your alma mater, you have to show it love and respect. And I love Pat Kraft, but they’ll find the best coach for them, whoever that is. But this [Nebraska] is a destination job that should be a national bully and should be a beast, and I think we’re making our way to doing that.”

Along with Rhule, Kraft was targeting Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, who currently is leading the Hoosiers to a 6-0 record, and is tied for the best record in the Big Ten with Ohio State.

However, just on Thursday, Cignetti signed a lucrative eight-year contract to stay at the helm in Bloomington.

If what Rhule is saying is true, and it’s hard not to believe him as he’s defended Nebraska with such conviction, then Kraft’s options are starting to wear thin.

There was a report that Penn State may be inclined to look toward Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, but that may be a steep ask, considering how Brian Kelly threw him to the wolves when he left and took the LSU job.

Another option is Joe Brady, as our Evan Massey reported. Brady currently serves as the offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills, and was the offensive coordinator with LSU when it won the National Championship with Joe Burrow.

The longer the wait is, the harder it gets to find coaches. Indiana saw the rumors about Cignetti and it locked him up instantly. When Nick Saban retired from Alabama, Steve Sarkisian of Texas and Dan Lanning of Oregon all received hefty extensions as they were named as targets.

The clock is ticking in Happy Valley.